The National Report on the 3rd UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, prepared by the Ministry of Works and Human Settlement of the Royal Government of Bhutan, outlines Bhutan’s commitments and contributions to the Habitat III conference held in Quito, Ecuador, in October 2016. This report emphasizes Bhutan’s focus on sustainable urban development and housing, aligning with the global agenda for urbanization and human settlements.
Background and Context
The report begins by contextualizing Bhutan’s urbanization process, which has accelerated due to economic growth and rural-to-urban migration. As cities expand, they face challenges such as inadequate housing, urban poverty, and environmental degradation. The government recognizes that effective urban planning is essential to address these issues while promoting the well-being of its citizens. Bhutan’s approach to urban development is influenced by its unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which prioritizes holistic development over mere economic growth. This philosophy shapes the country’s policies, ensuring that social, cultural, and environmental factors are integrated into urban planning.
Further reading:
[PDF] Government of Nepal – Ministry of Urban Development moud.gov
[PDF] Report of the United Nations Conference on Housing and … digitallibrary.un
Key Objectives of the Conference
The Habitat III conference aimed to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable urban development and assess progress since previous conferences. It sought to address emerging challenges related to urbanization and poverty while fostering inclusive and sustainable cities. The conference culminated in the adoption of the New Urban Agenda, a framework designed to guide urban development globally for the next two decades.
Bhutan’s Contributions
Bhutan actively participated in the Habitat III conference, presenting its national policies and strategies for sustainable urban development. The report highlights several key areas where Bhutan aims to make significant contributions:
- Affordable Housing: Recognizing the pressing need for affordable housing, Bhutan is committed to increasing access to housing for economically weaker sections (EWS) and low-income groups (LIG). The government plans to implement policies that facilitate affordable housing projects through public-private partnerships and community-led initiatives.
- Sustainable Urban Planning: The report emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into urban planning processes. Bhutan aims to adopt practices that promote efficient land use, environmental conservation, and resilience against natural disasters.
- Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in the planning process is a priority for Bhutan. The government believes that involving residents in decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that developments meet their needs.
- Disaster Resilience: Given Bhutan’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, the report outlines strategies for enhancing disaster resilience in urban areas. This includes implementing building codes that prioritize safety and incorporating risk reduction measures into urban planning.
Challenges Identified
Despite its commitment to sustainable urban development, Bhutan faces several challenges:
- Rapid Urbanization: The swift pace of urbanization has outstripped infrastructure development, leading to congestion and inadequate services.
- Informal Settlements: Many residents live in informal settlements lacking basic amenities. Addressing this issue requires targeted interventions to upgrade these areas.
- Resource Constraints: Limited financial resources hinder the government’s ability to implement large-scale housing projects and infrastructure improvements.
Policy Recommendations
To address these challenges, the report recommends several policy measures:
- Strengthening Institutional Frameworks: Enhancing coordination among various government agencies involved in urban planning can lead to more effective implementation of housing policies.
- Innovative Financing Mechanisms: Developing financial instruments such as subsidies or low-interest loans can facilitate affordable housing projects.
- Capacity Building: Training local authorities in sustainable urban planning practices will improve their ability to manage growth effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the National Report on Bhutan’s participation in the Habitat III conference underscores the country’s commitment to sustainable urban development through a GNH framework. By focusing on affordable housing, community engagement, disaster resilience, and effective governance, Bhutan aims to create inclusive cities that enhance the quality of life for all its residents. The insights gained from this conference will guide Bhutan’s future policies as it navigates the complexities of urbanization while striving for a harmonious balance between development and sustainability.